Are you looking to make a trip to Europe without breaking the bank? At Orange eSIM Holidays we can help you by providing the best eSIM for Europe, with 30GB of data at an incredible price of €25. The rest is up to you. Check our list of the cheapest countries to fly to in Europe and analyze the best budget-friendly destinations. From stunning landscapes to rich history, these budget-friendly countries offer a wide range of experiences for savvy travelers. Let’s inspect some of the best options for affordable European getaways and get ready to book your next flight.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget-Friendly Destinations
Connectivity with an eSIM
It is basic to stay connected while traveling. Having access to the internet, travel apps, maps and translation widgets will help create the best experiences while traveling. That’s why it’s essential to have an eSIM that provides the best value for your money. Here, the answer is quite simple. Orange eSIM Holidays offers an eSIM plan for all the countries of the European Union, helping you keep your budget controlled and avoid expensive roaming fees. It is the best eSIM for any budget-friendly destination in Europe.
Flight costs
Another factor that weighs in on your decision to visit a country is the cost of flying to said country. International flight costs usually vary depending if you’re traveling during peak season or shoulder season. During shoulder season, you’ll find cheaper flights and accommodations, so you can allocate a bigger budget on other things during your trip. Try to book your flight in advance for cheaper rates in most airlines, check the rates on different days and times of the day to find the cheapest flights, and try to go into incognito mode when booking a flight.
Accommodation prices
When trying to travel on a budget, the accommodation fares might spoil your plans if you don’t consider them carefully. The best way to avoid surprises is to look for cheap lodging options, such as hostels, guesthouses, or budget hotels. Keep in mind the distance between accommodations and city attractions to avoid additional transportation expenses. Look for amenities that ensure they meet your basic needs without unnecessary frills and keep an eye out for special deals, discounts, or package offers that can further reduce your expenses in any of the cities you’re visiting.
Cost of food and activities
It’s essential to consider the cost of food and activities. Researching the average prices for meals and local attractions can help determine how affordable a destination is and how much will you spend in basic needs and leisure. Look for places where the cost of meals and activities align with your budget to make the most of your travel funds. Be wary of popular tourist areas since they tend to have higher prices. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations to find more budget-friendly fares.
Transportation expenses
Transportation expenses can increase your travel budget significantly. That’s why it’s important to analyze them prior to planning your trip. Look for affordable flights or bus tickets, and research local transportation options such as public buses or trains that you can take even from the airport. Opt for destinations with minimal travel distance from your location to reduce transportation expenses. Additionally, consider the cost of getting around your destination, including public transportation fares and the availability of budget-friendly options like walking or biking.
Top 5 Cheapest Countries to Fly to in Europe
Bulgaria
This incredible Balkan country is a diamond in the rough for budget travelers to fly to. Stunning landscapes with valleys of roses and lavender, a wonderful Black sea coastline, relaxing thermal baths and beautiful architecture in cities like Sofia, Varna or Veliko Tarnovo, or the ancient city of Plovdiv (one of the oldest cities in the world), Bulgaria offers history, traditions, and nature to travelers from all over the world. If you are planning to travel to Bulgaria, you can find information about the eSIM for Bulgaria in this post.
Average budget expenses in Bulgaria:
| Accomodation | Street food | Fast food (McMeal) | Standard meal | Transportation (Daily avg.) | Attractions/activities | Orange eSIM Holidays (30GB) |
| €25 to €50 | €0.75 to €3 | €7.80 | €7 to €15 | €12 | €13 | €25 |
Hungary
Hungary offers incredible value for your money. A hidden gem in Central Europe, Hungary has beautiful landscapes, incredible food, history, cities and one of the best nightlife spots in Europe (Budapest). Ruin bars in the city of Budapest, Thermal lakes and bathhouses, the remains of Eger, one of the oldest cities in Europe, Danube cruises, the city of Pécs and its necropolis, nature and wine…Hungary has unlimited potential as a flight destination thanks to its affordability. If you are travelling and want information about eSIMs for Hungary, click here.
Average budget expenses in Hungary:
| Accomodation | Pizza or Chinese | Fast food (McMeal) | Standard meal | Transportation (Daily avg.) | Attractions/activities | Orange eSIM Holidays (30GB) |
| €25 to €40 | €5.50 to €7.60 | €7.50 | €5 to €15.90 | €10.50 | €20 | €25 |
Portugal
Portugal is also quite a cheap European country to fly to. Outdoors activities are mostly free, and Portugal has plenty of those. As a well-known destination for its natural wonders and beaches, Portugal offers free leisure activities related to its beautiful coastline, with virgin beaches and surfing spots. But Portugal also stands out for its amazing cities with mesmerizing monuments, architecture and food. In cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Cascais, Braga, or the Alentejo coastline and the touristy Algarve, you’ll find cheap plans for everyone in Portugal to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. If you are planning to travel to Portugal, you can find information about eSIMs in this post.
Average budget expenses in Portugal:
| Accomodation | Cafes and Bakeries | Fast food (McMeal) | Standard meal | Transportation (Daily avg.) | Attractions/activities | Orange eSIM Holidays (30GB) |
| €40 to €74 | €2 to €10 | €8.20 | €10 to €20 | €15 | €15 | €25 |
Romania
Romania is a European destination that carries a bad reputation, but it offers mesmerizing cities and dreamy natural landscapes. From the famous Transylvania region with villages like Bran or the picturesque Braşov, to the relaxing Black Sea Resorts in the Romanian Riviera, with cities like Constanța or Mangalia, Romania offers incredible experiences at a cheaper rate. And, of course, the city of Bucharest welcomes travelers from all over the world with its “Little-Paris” atmosphere.
We can help you by providing the best eSIM card for Romania. Check this post to learn more about our plans.
Average budget expenses in Romania:
| Accomodation | Cheapest meals | Fast food (McMeal) | Standard meal | Transportation (Daily avg.) | Attractions/activities | Orange eSIM Holidays (30GB) |
| €30 to €35 | €5 to €10 | €6.60 | €16 to €25 | €6 | €12 | €25 |
Czech Republic
A true gem in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is one of the cheapest destinations you can fly to in 2024. Medieval towns, mountain regions and world-class wineries offer an incredible experience for those travelers willing to escape from the beautiful but crowded city of Prague. Once you’re done with Prague and its world famous architecture, take a train and visit the picturesque town of Ceský Krumlov, or the historical city of Kutná Hora, or take a trip through the Bohemian region. The Czech Republic isn’t just beer (although it is great beer), but also wine. Visit the Moravian Wine region to enjoy some world-renown wines while exploring the charming villages and stunning castles in the region.
Orange eSIM Holidays can help you by providing the best eSIM for Czech Republic. Check this link to know more about our plans.
Average budget expenses in the Czech Republic:
| Accomodation | Traditional cheap meals | Fast food (McMeal) | Standard meal | Transportation (Daily avg.) | Attractions/activities | Orange eSIM Holidays (30GB) |
| €37 to €50 | €8 to €10 | €8 | €30 | €12 | €16 | €25 |
Tips for Saving Money While Traveling in Europe
Traveling to Europe on a budget can be quite an ordeal, but we can offer some tips to make your experience cheaper while still enjoying your travel plans. First of all, you can search for cheap flights to different airports in less concurred cities.
Take advantage of public transportation, like trains and buses, instead of relying on expensive taxis. European public transport is safe, quite optimized and has reasonable fares so don’t be afraid to use it.
Try to save on food expenses by eating at local markets, food stalls, or cooking your meals in shared kitchen facilities.
Look for free or discounted attractions, museums, and city tours, and consider purchasing city passes for overall savings on sightseeing.
Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash strategically to avoid unnecessary ATM fees.
Be mindful of currency exchange rates and consider using a multi-currency travel card for better rates and lower fees.
Lastly, if you’re traveling with a mobile phone with eSIM capabilities, get the cheapest eSIM for Europe so you can avoid roaming expenses. Orange eSIM Holidays provides the best eSIM for any of the 27 countries of the European Union, Norway and Liechtenstein. You can get yours here.
Summing Up
If you’re looking to fly to Europe without breaking the bank, countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, Romania and the Czech Republic are affordable travel options without compromising on the experience. By choosing any of these destinations, travelers can enjoy the beauty and culture of Europe while keeping their expenses to a minimum. Whether it’s exploring historic cities, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, or indulging in delicious cuisine, these affordable European countries have something to offer for every budget-conscious traveler.
And remember that roaming fees can become an enormous burden on your travel budget. Orange eSIM Holidays provides the best travel eSIM you can get at the cheapest price to visit any of these countries, so you can stay connected while creating new experiences in these destinations. Before you buy an eSIM, check this list to see if your device is compatible.
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FAQs
What are the cheapest destinations to fly to in Europe?
In reality it all depends on how you’re traveling. Even countries known for being expensive can offer a budget-friendly trip if you plan accordingly, however, our list of countries will help you plan a perfect holiday without spending too much thanks to their cheap prices. If you don’t feel like cutting back in experiences but also don’t want to break your bank, Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, Romania or the Czech Republic are great budget-friendly options for you to visit. Whether you’re looking for a city-life experience or a nature filled escapade, these countries can provide whatever you need for your next European adventure.
What is the best time to fly to Europe on a budget?
Shoulder season is always the best time to fly to Europe. Generally during late fall and winter you’ll find cheap fares for flights and accommodations, and also, if you’re booking a flight during the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) you’ll be able to find reduced rates on your plane tickets.
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is an “embedded SIM” which works as a traditional SIM card that you can download and store on your mobile phone. It is a perfect option to travel since it allows you to get a dedicated data plan for the country or region you’re visiting while keeping your home SIM card available for calls or SMS. You don’t even need to disable or extract your home SIM card from your phone to avoid roaming fees from your home carrier.
How can I travel on a budget?
The best advises we can give you to travel on a budget are: be flexible with your travel dates so you can look for the best offers on flights and accommodations, try to travel during shoulder season so the fares you find are not inflated because of the increased demand, look for discounts and offers so you can find the best fares for your next trip to Europe and of course, reduce unnecessary costs from your budget, like roaming fees, by getting Orange eSIM Holidays as your travel eSIM.